Lasting Memories

Jim Slater Sherlock
Oct. 12, 1966-Jan. 22, 2025
Eugene, Oregon

Our beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, James (Jim) Slater Sherlock, died on January 22nd, 2025 in a bike accident in Eugene, Oregon. Jim was a kind, generous, and conscientious person who loved without pretense or ego, and we were lucky enough to receive this love, in all of its myriad expressions, for 58 years. We love you so much, Jim.

Jim loved life in many ways, but particularly when he was salmon fishing on the Siuslaw River; flying the model airplanes he built in Washington Park; and making delicious food for the people he loved. Jim was a patient and encouraging teacher, ever-willing to untangle your fishing line or fetch your model plane out of a tree. He was a deep listener and would remember the things you told him years later.

In his spare time you could find Jim volunteering at the Egan Warming Center, or listening to local blues music, or taking a walk through the Friendly neighborhood with his cat, Jimmy—for whom he nurtured a deep respect and devotion—trailing close behind. Jim was always on the lookout for ways to show other people that he loved them, and he taught us the power of consistent and unexpected gestures of love: a handwritten letter, or a surprise delivery of homemade smoked salmon, or a particular type of tea that reminded him of you.

Jim was born in Palo Alto, CA, on October 12th, 1966. He attended the University of Massachusetts and traveled widely in Europe and Central America before settling down in Eugene, just one block away from his brother, where he worked as a foreman and chef. He is survived by his mother, Phyllis Sherlock; his brothers, Liam and John Sherlock; his sister-in-law, Jennie Sherlock, his niece and nephew, Carmin and Bodin Sherlock, in whose lives he was an active presence; and his cat, Jimmy, who has been adopted by Jim’s beloved friend, Samantha Chirillo.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, March 1st, at 2:00pm at the First Congregational Church in Eugene. All are welcome! In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the Egan Warming Center.